Getting Started

Step 1 - Prepare the Surface

Prior to starting your project you will want to make sure the surface is clean, dry, and free of contaminants. Clean up any grease, spills or other contaminants and rinse the area well.

Because SkimStone must be applied to bare concrete, you will need to verify that the surface is free of any coatings or sealers. Test the porosity of the concrete by pouring approximately one tablespoon of water onto the floor. If the concrete changes color immediately and absorbs the water, it is porous enough to accept SkimStone.

Give the surface a final once over by sweeping or vacuuming to remove any remaining dust or debris. Tape off the edges of the floor or trim and get started.

NOTE: When using SkimStone Bonding Primer over a sealed or non-porous surface, refer to the Bonding Primer Data sheet for Bonding Primer application instructions.

Step 2 - Determine the SkimStone Material Needed

After you have decided which colors you will use on your project simply:

Enter your square footage, substrate rating, color to be used and desired color strength into the Calculator.

Print the online calculator results.

Step 3 - Mixing SkimStone

Wearing a dust mask, gloves, and safety glasses is recommended when working with SkimStone.

Measure and pour the correct amount of Type I Solution needed for the first coat into a mixing bucket.

Add the required amount of the ColorPak to the Type I Solution.

Mix thoroughly.

Measure and add the appropriate amount of White Powder, in small increments, into the tinted Type I Solution. Stir immediately. Continue stirring until the mixture is free of lumps. When working with large quantities, a drill and drill mixer attachment are recommended.

Step 4 - Apply SkimStone

The first coat is mixed the thickest, but is still applied very thin. The SkimStone mixture should fill any existing pores in the concrete surface without leaving behind any significant amount of build on the surface. In fact, after the first coat is applied, the concrete should show through in places. Applying SkimStone in three thin coats allows the product to be translucent in places and leaves behind a beautiful textured appearance.

Start in one corner of a room and working your way across and toward an exit, pour a small amount (1/2 - 1 cup) of the mixture onto the surface.

Using a straight-edged metal trowel spread a very thin coat over the surface.

Rounded or "figure 8" motions work best.

Keep the trowel at a 45° angle to control the thickness of the application.

In large areas, it can be difficult to keep a wet edge. By keeping a random edge as you work across the room you will be able to incorporate your dry edges and lap lines into the overall "look" of the finished floor.

Let the surface completely dry.

Remove any rough or raised areas with a trowel edge or fine sandpaper.

Mix the product needed for each coat.

Starting in a different corner of the room apply the second and third coats thinner than the first coat.

After the final coat, allow at least 8 hours for the surface to dry before applying SkimStone Protective Sealer.

Step 5 - Sealing the Surface

SkimStone Protective Sealer will provide a tough spill-resistant finish and accentuates the rich colors of SkimStone. Apply four to five coats of Protective Sealer on interior floors. The color develops with the first two coats. Additional coats add gloss and protection. No more than two coats of sealer are recommended for exterior application. For commercial floors, SkimStone Select Finish is recommended as a final topcoat over 3 coats of SkimStone Protective Sealer.

Start in a corner of the room and work your way to a doorway.

Pour ½- 1 cup of Protective Sealer from the bottle onto the surface.

Spread thinly using a new Padco® paint-pad applicator.

Allow surface to completely dry before applying the next coat.

Allow 24 hours before permitting light foot traffic. Furniture can be moved in after 3 days. Rugs can be added once the maximum hardness of the Protective Sealer has been achieved in 7 - 10 days.

Step 6 - Clean Up

Clean tools with water while the material is still wet on the tool.

Allow any unused, mixed material to dry completely and then dispose of it in the trash.